Pettinato Children's Dentistry
Pediatric Dentistry located in Wesley Chapel, FL
Diagnostic X-rays are an invaluable part of preventive pediatric dentistry. Besides making it possible to visualize areas of decay that can’t be seen during a routine dental exam, X-rays also provide a way to monitor the status of developing teeth. The experienced dentists at Pettinato Children’s Dentistry in Wesley Chapel, Florida, are pleased to offer comfortable, low-dose radiation X-ray services for children of all ages. Call the office or click online to schedule your child’s next visit today.
X-Rays Q & A
What are dental X-rays?
Dental radiographs, or X-rays, are an indispensable diagnostic tool of preventive dentistry for patients of all ages, but they’re especially beneficial for pediatric patients.
X-rays use electromagnetic waves, or low-dose radiation to produce detailed pictures of the structures inside your child’s mouth to help uncover the kind of hidden damage, disease, and decay that can’t be detected in a clinical oral exam.
Your dentist at Pettinato Children’s Dentistry can use X-ray images to:
- Diagnose concealed tooth decay (cavities)
- Track the position of developing teeth
- Look for signs of periodontitis (gum disease)
- Analyze infected or inflamed tooth roots
- Evaluate jawbone health around each tooth
Children who have routine diagnostic X-rays are less likely to wind up with deep cavities, abscessed teeth, and other serious problems that may eventually require more extensive treatment, such as a root canal.
Are there different types of dental X-rays?
Dentists use various types of X-rays to capture images of specific teeth or to take pictures from a certain angle. The team at Pettinato Children’s Dentistry often uses the following kinds of diagnostic X-rays during routine oral health exams:
Bite-Wing
Bite-wing X-rays take pictures of your child’s upper and lower molars at the back of their mouth. These images can reveal important information about tooth position and bite alignment, and they may also uncover hidden decay between molars.
Occlusal
By taking a picture of the entire arch of teeth in your child’s top or bottom jaw, occlusal X-rays make it easier to assess tooth placement, spacing, and proper bite relationship as your child continues to develop.
Periapical
This kind of X-ray focuses on two or three of your child’s teeth in their entirety, from crown to root. It also provides a detailed view of the tissues that surround and support each tooth.
How often should my child have dental X-rays?
Most children need regular X-rays to stay on top of their oral health. Exactly how often your child should have X-rays depends largely on their dental history and their current oral health status.
For kids who are prone to developing cavities, dental X-rays are recommended every six months. Likewise, if your child has an oral developmental issue that requires close monitoring, they may need more frequent X-rays. Children with a relatively low cavity risk typically have X-rays just once a year.
To learn more about dental X-rays, call Pettinato Children’s Dentistry today, or use the easy online tool to schedule an appointment at any time.